Papilloma, or the human papillomavirus (HPV), is one of the viruses responsible for the development of cancer. Studies show that not all people infected with an oncogenic type of virus develop cancer. However, people who are asymptomatic carriers of the virus can infect other people whose virus can already cause this dangerous disease. What is the human papillomavirus? How can you get infected with it? What are the symptoms of infection?

Papilloma , i.e.human papillomavirus( HPV virus-human papillomavirus ) is a virus that is transmitted mainly through sexual intercourse (including anal and oral intercourse) or through direct contact with the skin of an infected person.

Currently, there are nearly 100 variants of HPV, which are divided into low-risk (non-oncogenic) and high-risk (oncogenic) viruses. The types of virus that cause genital warts, laryngeal papillomas, and benign lesions on the cervix are classified as low-risk viruses.

Those that do not contribute to warts are classified as high-risk viruses. They live in skin cells and can lead to precancerous changes, cancer of the cervix and genital area - vulva cancer, cancer of the anus or penile cancer. Recent research by scientists shows that infection with different types of human papillomavirus can lead to the development of one in three so-called head and neck cancers, i.e. cancer of the mouth, larynx or esophageal cancer. Out of over a hundred types of HPV, the most oncogenic are types: 16 and 18, as well as 31 and 45.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - signs of infection

All HPV infections are asymptomatic in the initial stage. Most of them, thanks to a well-functioning immune system, resolve spontaneously within 6-12 months of exposure to the virus. However, some people, especially those who are immunocompromised, can develop chronic infection, which can eventually lead to cancer.

Some people infected with low-risk HPV (types 6 and 11) may develop warts (called genital warts) around, inside or on the body within 2-3 weeks to several years of exposure to the virus. penis, scrotum, anus or vagina.Intimate warts are flat, round, or cauliflower-shaped growths that are the color of the skin. They are usually soft and painless, although they can sometimes be itchy.

Genital warts can also appear around the waist or groin, less often in the mouth or throat (after oral intercourse with an infected person).

Important
  • Young people under 30 and having a sexual life (especially if they had / have several partners) are the most vulnerable to HPV infection.
  • In a woman infected with HPV, the risk of developing cervical cancer is additionally increased by factors such as long-term (5-10 years) hormonal contraception, smoking or other sexually transmitted infections.
  • People who become infected asymptomatically may still infect others.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - treatment

No drug to combat HPV has been developed. People who develop warts should have them removed to prevent the spread of the virus. Growths can be removed by e.g. firing, freezing or laser. However, it should be remembered that after removing these types of changes, the virus still remains in the body and may still spread. Therefore, once removed condylomas may reappear over time.

Women infected with high-risk viruses should have regular Pap smears (Pap test) to check for cervical cancer.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) - how to prevent it?

  • use condoms during intercourse
  • you should limit the number of sexual partners
  • people with multiple partners should undergo checkups every six months to exclude infection with HPV or other sexually transmitted diseases
This will be useful to you

TheHPV6 / 11/16/18vaccine is available recently. Previous studies indicate its enormous effectiveness of up to 100 percent, which gives hope for the prevention of cervical cancer and acuminata.

The vaccine is given in 3 doses (the second dose should be taken two months after the first, the third one six months after the first). Three doses of the vaccine will cost about PLN 1,200.

About the authorMonika Majewska A journalist specializing in he alth issues, especially in the areas of medicine, he alth protection and he althy eating. Author of news, guides, interviews with experts and reports. Participant of the largest Polish National Medical Conference "Polish woman in Europe", organized by the Association "Journalistsfor He alth ", as well as specialist workshops and seminars for journalists organized by the Association.

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Category:

Infectious diseases